Quarterly options

If you report and pay GST quarterly, you may choose option 1 or 2. Your activity statement will contain a label next to each of the options. Place an ‘X’ in the label next to the option you have chosen.

If you are eligible to use option 3, and have elected to do so, your activity statement or instalment notice will contain a pre-printed instalment amount at G21.

Option 1 – Report and pay GST quarterly

Under this option, you must report amounts at the following labels on your activity statement each quarter:

G1 (total sales)

G2 (export sales)

G3 (other GST-free sales)

G10 (capital purchases)

G11 (non-capital purchases)

1A (GST on sales)

1B (GST on purchases).

Sample: Option 1 on the activity statement

Option 2 – Pay GST quarterly and report annually

Under this option, you must report amounts at the following labels on your activity statement each quarter:

G1 (total sales)

1A (GST on sales)

1B (GST on purchases).

At the end of the financial year, we will send you an Annual GST information report, on which you must report amounts at the following labels:

G2 (export sales)

G3 (other GST-free sales)

G10 (capital purchases)

G11 (non-capital purchases).

Sample: Option 2 on the activity statement

Option 3 – Pay a quarterly instalment and report annually

Under this option, you must pay a GST instalment amount worked out by us (or varied by you) each quarter (or twice-yearly in special cases). At the end of the financial year we will send you an Annual GST return, on which you must report amounts at the following labels:

G1 (total sales)

G2 (export sales)

G3 (other GST-free sales)

G10 (capital purchases)

G11 (non-capital purchases)

1A (GST on sales)

1B (GST on purchases).

The Annual GST return will also be used to account for any difference between your actual annual GST liability and the total of your instalment amounts for the year.

Report and pay GST annually

You can only use this option if you are voluntarily registered for GST. That is, you are registered for GST and your turnover is under $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profit bodies).

If you are eligible and have elected to report and pay GST annually, you do not need to report or pay any GST during the year. At the end of the financial year, you must report and pay any amount due. You must complete the following labels on your Annual GST return:

Our commitment to you

We are committed to providing you with accurate, consistent and clear information to help you understand your rights and entitlements and meet your obligations.

If you follow our information and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we will take that into account when determining what action, if any, we should take.

Some of the information on this website applies to a specific financial year. This is clearly marked. Make sure you have the information for the right year before making decisions based on that information.

If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.